Macular degeneration

The macula, also known as the “yellow spot”, is a small area located right in the center of the retina. This spot, which measures only a few square millimeters, is responsible for essential visual functions such as reading, recognizing faces, and distinguishing colors. The rest of the retina mainly perceives outlines and light-dark contrasts.

The macula has a high metabolic rate, and the waste products are disposed of by the underlying tissue layer. With advancing age, usually from the age of 60 onwards, disorders can occur that lead to deposits under the retina and thus to functional impairments. This process is called macular degeneration, resulting in blurred, distorted, or thick spots in the center of the field of vision. Since only the center of the retina is affected, the outer field of vision remains intact. This means that you may be able to see a clock, but you cannot tell the time.

There are two forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet. In dry macular degeneration, deposits form in the retina as described above, while in wet macular degeneration, fluid penetrates the retina.

With optical coherence tomography (OCT), we are able to take high-resolution retinal layer images of the macula in our practice. This non-invasive method is now the gold standard in the diagnosis of macular diseases. The procedure is painless and safe.